Why read Why Plato Wrote?

Book cover of Why Plato Wrote

Book description

Why Plato Wrote argues that Plato was not only the world's first systematic political philosopher, but also the western world's first think-tank activist and message man. Shows that Plato wrote to change Athenian society and thereby transform Athenian politics Offers accessible discussions of Plato's philosophy of language and political theory…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Why Plato Wrote as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Melissa Lane

Author

This book blows the cobwebs off Plato. It shows him to have been a force in remaking the terms of the Athenian political imagination and public life.

Allen tracks how images and words that Plato crafted made their way into the public speeches through which Athenians pursued personal vendettas and debated public policy. This book proves that Plato was no ivory tower philosopher. On the contrary: “Plato wrote unacknowledged legislation” and was “the western world’s first think-tank activist and message man”.

I love how relevant this book makes Plato.

From Melissa's list on accessible and thought-provoking books about Plato.